Enhancement of mesophase formation in paraffinic-rich clarified oil using transition metal catalysts (Cr and Cu)

Abstract

In the present work, we have made attempts to prepare petroleum pitches from paraffinic-rich clarified oil (CLO) by giving thermal treatment at 370 °C in the presence of Cu and Cr catalysts. The feed CLO is predominantly paraffinic in nature, so it takes fairly large thermal soaking time (21 h) to convert into pitch having mesophase content below countable limits. To increase the mesophase content in the pitch or to make mesophase pitch, 3 wt % transition metal catalysts (Cu and Cr) were added to CLO. Addition of transition metal catalysts not only enhances mesophase formation but also helps to reduce thermal treatment time by promoting polymerization and condensation reactions at a faster rate. The mesophase formation pattern reveals that Cu and Cr catalysts increase the mesophase content from below countable limit to 12 and 9 vol %, respectively. This indicates that Cu and Cr showed better catalytic activity for mesophase formation growth. The effect of transition metal catalysts on physico-chemical properties (softening point, coking value, toluene insolubles and quinoline insolubles) as well as the optical texture and physical properties of mesophase pitches were investigated by optical microscope, FT-IR, SEM, NMR, TG/DTG and XRD.

Research progress in the preparation of mesophase pitch from fluid catalytic cracking slurry

“…At present, the production rate of anisotropic components in the existing mesophase preparation process reaches up to 100%, and the soening point of the product is about 283 °C. 77 In 1965, Professor Otani of Gunma University in Japan developed pitch-based carbon ber for the rst time with PVC pitch as raw material. In 1971, Professor Otani summed up his experience aer preparing mesophase pitch aer trails and errors.…”

“…At present, the production rate of anisotropic components in the existing mesophase preparation process reaches up to 100%, and the softening point of the product is about 283 °C. 77 …”

Co‐Carbonization of Medium‐ and Low‐Temperature Coal Tar Pitch and Coal‐Based Hydrogenated Diesel Oil Prepare Mesophase Pitch for Needle Coke Precursor

“…However, longer alkyl side chains would accelerate the reaction rate, which promote the formation of a mesophase phase with a high softening point. [32,33] The naphthenic structure in RCTP would initiate a hydrogen transfer reaction, which made the free radicals stabilized. So, it can maintain the fluidity of the CTP 3 during high-temperature carbonization.…”

Technology of Petroleum Needle Coke Production in Processing of Decantoil with the Use of Polystyrene as a Polymeric Mesogen Additive

“…As a result of these reactions, the resulting mesophase C/H ratio increases, which indirectly indicates the emergence of more condensed structures and a reduction in the proportion of long alkyl chains. Kumar and Srivastava 16 have conducted investigations on the Cr and Cu effect on the formation of mesophase at 370 °C. The use of these additives has led to the active development of mesophase as well as an increase in the proportion of naphthene hydrocarbons capable of transporting hydrogen, thereby facilitating the carbonation process and short alkyl chains in the mesophase pitch obtained.…”